The Radford University faculty senate has called a special meeting today to vote on a resolution condemning the surprise termination of two administrators this week.

Michael Dunn and Marc Jacobsen of the New Student Programs and Services office were let go suddenly Monday and given a few hours to clean out their desks.

The men were told their positions were eliminated because of budget reductions tied to cuts announced last week by Gov. Tim Kaine. Kaine cut support to universities by up to 15 percent to help offset a $1.35 billion state revenue shortfall.

Dunn, a nationally recognized student affairs professional, had worked at Radford for 24 years. Jacobsen had worked there 10 years. The office coordinated and oversaw several student orientation and retention programs, many of which will be transferred to other university offices, officials have said.

The terminations prompted a hastily organized demonstration in Walker Hall attended by about 50 people, including many students who worked with Dunn and Jacobsen. In e-mails sent this week, disgruntled alumni threatened to cut off donations to the university.

At Radford the resolution, signed by a dozen senators, condemns the terminations as "brutal" and "insensitive" and says in part: "Having one week ago assured the Faculty Senate that all position changes or layoffs would be handled with sensitivity, respect, and compassion, the Radford University administration has, by its action, further undermined its credibility with the faculty."

President Penelope Kyle and her administration were vociferously criticized last year when top administrators conducted an accelerated review of academic programs, seemingly without input from faculty or students.

The senate voted in April to appoint a task force to investigate Kyle and her administration, including Provost Wil Stanton. The task force findings are expected to be released by Oct. 1.

Kyle and Vice President for Student Affairs Norleen Pomerantz are scheduled to speak and take questions at the 3:30 p.m. meeting in Heth Hall room 43, senate President Steve Owen said.